During its March 23 regular business meeting, the Schuylerville Board of Education adopted the 2026-27 budget proposal that will go before voters on Tuesday, May 19; qualified voters will be able to vote from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the District Office Board of Education room. The budget proposal reflects a continued effort to remain fiscally conservative for taxpayers while maintaining strong academic programming and opportunities for students.
The $40.8 million proposed budget calls for a 2.12% spending increase and an estimated tax levy of 2.99%, which is below the district’s allowable tax cap. Tax rates for individual properties will be determined over the summer once equalization rates and assessments are available for the district’s seven towns. Click here for the 2026-27 budget proposal summary.
Expenditures
Year to year, the budget always includes previously-agreed upon salary increases from all current contracts, as well as increases or decreases to other expenses depending on the needs of the district. The 2026-27 budget proposal reflects several areas of increased expenditures, including salaries, payroll taxes, and employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement contributions. The district is also seeing higher costs related to student services, particularly BOCES special education placements and private tuition. In addition, utility expenses for natural gas and electricity continue to rise.
Revenue
State aid continues to make up a significant portion of Schuylerville’s revenue, accounting for roughly half of the district’s overall budget. In Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposal, Schuylerville received a modest increase in foundation aid of approximately one percent.
While expenditures continue to rise at a steady rate, annual revenues are not keeping pace due to the limitations of the state’s tax cap and minimal growth in foundation aid. This ongoing imbalance has created a structural gap in the budget. To address this, the district plans to use $1.687 million in fund balance to help offset the difference between revenues and expenditures.
In addition, the district is taking measured steps to control costs, including restructuring outside counseling services, reducing staffing through the elimination of one math position, and not filling two upcoming vacant teaching positions due to retirements.
Public Hearing
A public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget will be held May 5 at 6:00 p.m. in the Schuylerville CSD Board of Education room. If you have any questions prior, please contact Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman or Assistant Superintendent for Business, Christine Burke.
Contingent Budget
If the 2026-27 proposed budget is voted down, the Board of Education has the following options:
- Put another budget (revised or not) up for a vote in June
- Immediately adopt a contingent budget
If the district adopts a contingent budget, there can be no increase to the tax levy from the prior year. Ordinary contingent expenses may also have to be reduced to ensure no increase to the tax levy.
Board of Education Election
During the May 19 annual budget vote, voters will elect one member to the Schuylerville CSD Board of Education to fill the following position:
- One five-year term beginning July 1, 2026. The seat is currently held by Katie Brunson.
Candidate profiles are due Monday, April 20 by 5:00 p.m. Please contact Board of Education Clerk, Jennifer Tompkins at (518) 695-3255, ext. 3242 to pick up the full Board of Education election packet.